Estate administration in Ireland

Administering an estate is more than getting a grant — it's collecting assets, paying debts and tax, and distributing correctly. We'll match you with a solicitor who does it all.

Estate administration is the full job of dealing with everything a person owned when they died. Whether there is a will (and an executor) or no will (and an administrator), the legal personal representative has clear duties — and personal responsibility for getting them right.

The main stages

1. Identify and value all assets and debts as at the date of death.
2. Apply for the grant — Grant of Probate (with a will) or Letters of Administration (without).
3. Collect in the assets — close accounts, sell or transfer property, cash in policies.
4. Pay debts, expenses and taxes, including any Capital Acquisitions Tax due by beneficiaries.
5. Prepare estate accounts and distribute the balance to the beneficiaries.

The executor's year

Beneficiaries are generally not entitled to demand their inheritance for 12 months after death — the so-called "executor's year" — which gives the personal representative time to do the job properly. Rushing distribution before debts and taxes are settled is one of the most common and costly mistakes, because the executor can be left personally liable for any shortfall.

Where there is a dispute

Family disagreements, claims by children under Section 117, or questions over the validity of a will can all complicate administration. A solicitor can resolve these correctly and, where needed, represent the estate.

Get matched with an estate solicitor

Tell us your county and situation and we'll connect you with a solicitor experienced in estate administration in your area.

Frequently asked questions